Former Manchester United Coach Set to Replace Xabi Alonso at Bayern Leverkusen

• Former Manchester United coach Erik ten Hag has emerged as the leading candidate to replace Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen.
• The Dutch manager was dismissed by the Red Devils in October 2024 after a poor start to the season, following three seasons in charge
• Meanwhile, Alonso is set to leave Leverkusen at the end of the 2024/25 Bundesliga campaign to take over from Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid

Erik ten Hag has beaten former Arsenal star Cesc Fàbregas to emerge as a top contender to handle Bayern Leverkusen next season.

The former Manchester United manager has been away from coaching following his sacking in October 2024.

The 55-year-old won the Emirates FA Cup and EFL Cup for the Red Devils in his three-year stint.

Ten Hag favoured to replace Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen

Former Ajax and Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is the leading candidate to succeed Xabi Alonso as Bayer Leverkusen head coach ahead of the 2025/26 Bundesliga season.

According to TribalFootball, Leverkusen's Technical Director, Alex Kroes, confirmed holding talks with the Dutchman.

Alonso, who has agreed personal terms with Real Madrid, is set to replace Carlo Ancelotti after the Italian takes charge of Brazil.

The Spain legend led Leverkusen to their first Bundesliga title in 2023/24 and finished as runner-up in the 2024 Europa League.

As reported by Fabrizio Romano, Ten Hag is ready to step into the role, with Romano. He said:

“Ten Hag has given his total availability after direct contact taking place earlier this week.”

The former Dutch international previously won three Eredivisie titles with Ajax and lifted the EFL Cup with Manchester United in his first season. He was dismissed in 2024 after a poor start to the campaign per SkySports.

Reactions trail Ten Hag’s potential move to Leverkusen

Fans are reacting to Bayer Leverkusen’s decision to consider Erik ten Hag as Xabi Alonso’s replacement.

Legit.ng compiled responses from Manchester United supporters, many of whom remain unhappy about the Dutch manager’s earlier departure from the club.

King-Sadiq Attah said:

"He's not a bad manager after all.

"Watch him succeed elsewhere.

"Man U need deliverance."

Davis Msumba wrote:

"Two seasons at United with two Trophies. At least he is way better than Arteta."

Nura Abdullahi Delight added:

"I thought he's coming back to help United qualify for UCL through the back door without anyone knowing o 😆😃😃."

Mthobisi Gwebu said:

"We wish he doesn't find a Rashford off form to fall in Love with. It will be his downfall just like Amorim loving Mason Mount is his downfall."

Man United players select coach to replace Ten Hag

Legit.ng earlier reported that Manchester United players have repeatedly named a coach they would like to see take over if Erik ten Hag is sacked.

The Dutchman is in his third season at Old Trafford, but a poor start to the season has threatened his job.

Several candidates have been mentioned as possible replacements, including Thomas Tuchel and ex-England boss Gareth Southgate, while a majority of the players prefer Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Source: Legit.ng